Suspected shooter at large, employer remembers victim

Michael Chester

Darrell W. Jackson (Source: LMPD)

Eddie Williams

Lt. Barry Wilkerson

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - The third Metro homicide victim this year was shot and killed in front of his family.

Michael Chester, 27, died from at least one gunshot wound while being treated at University Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 9:10 p.m. Monday. Louisville Metro Police have identified Darrell Jackson, 18, as the suspected shooter.

Homicide detectives said Jackson shot Chester moments after Chester opened his apartment door. Chester's wife and young child were home during the shooting in the 4900 block of Saddlebrook Court. Lt. Barry Wilkerson said the shooting was not random and there was not forced entry.

"Obviously they knew each other. An altercation took place. That's when the shots rang out," Wilkerson said.

Police recognize the shooting was a brazen crime - considering a woman and child were present.

"This situation is a little bit different obviously because there were others around," said Wilkerson. "That does make the situation a little more volatile. That's the push we need right now to get this individual off the street and that's why we're asking for the community's help."

Chester's former employer commended his work ethic. Wing Stop owner Eddie Williams hired Chester and promoted him into management.

"He was one of the most talented people I've met in the business," Williams said. "Michael was a very talented young man and had a very bright future."

LMPDs VIPER Unit is currently searching for Jackson. The Violent Incident Prevention Enforcement and Response (VIPER) is a group of specialized officers who target neighborhoods with high crime rates.

If you have any information on Jackson you are asked to call Louisville Metro police at (502) 574–LMPD (5673).